Name: Quinoa in the Pressure Cooker
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 2 cups quinoa; 3 cups water; 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt (optional)

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This Quinoa in the Pressure Cooker is an easy fool-proof method for fluffy perfect quinoa! Quick cook, no mess, and perfect texture every time. This is my absolute favorite way to cook quinoa, as it takes the shortest amount of time, is super easy to clean up, and the quinoa is tender and fluffy.

Add cooked quinoa to salads, soups, tacos, or buddha bowls… the possibilities are endless. Ready in about 20 minutes, and so simple to make.

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Table of Contents

Lets talk quinoa! Quinoa is one of my favorite grains to cook for lunch or dinner: its so versatile and easy to throw in almost any recipe: great for soups, casseroles, in a salad, as a side dish, or even breakfast or dessert. It has a neutral flavor so it really shines with any dish you add it to.

This Perfect Quinoa in the Rice Cooker Is:

Fluffy
Quick to Make
Hearty
Filling
Versatile: Can be used for any meal!
Vegan, Gluten Free, and Low Sodium
Healthy & High Protein/Fiber

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Can I Pressure Cook Quinoa?

Absolutely! Quinoa is a high-protein grain, which can come in different varieties. I like white quinoa for Quinoa Tabbouli, and Red Quinoa for my favorite Le Pain Quotodien copy cat salad!

When I was first introduced to quinoa about 10 years ago I would always cook it on the stove top, with mixed results. The stove top method takes a lot of watching, simmering, and waiting… not ideal for when I’m multitasking in the kitchen. My Quinoa in the Rice Cooker turns out great, but the cooking time is a little long (about 60 minutes). This quinoa in the pressure cooker takes only 1 minute of cooking time, and factoring in the time it takes the Instant Pot to heat up, about 20 minutes total to cook!

Instant Pot for the Easiest Meal Prep Quinoa Ever!

For all my recipes I use the 8-Quart Instant Pot Ultra, its larger than the standard models (which are only 6 quart) so I have extra room to meal prep and batch cook more meals for the week. The Ultra model also has some great extra settings like cake baking and yogurt making which are really neat. I love that everything can cook in one pot, which makes for way less dishes and hands-off cooking. The Instant Pot is hands-down my favorite kitchen appliance, and actually makes my life so much easier.

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What’s In This Pressure Cooked Quinoa?

White Quinoa: I used white quinoa, but you can use red or multicolored. You can cook quinoa on the stove top, in the Instant Pot (my preferred method), in the rice cooker. This quinoa is a fantastic addition to salads, soups, or wraps… a healthy plant-based protein you can feel good about eating.
Or use Red Quinoa instead
Multi Colored Quinoa Blends – these blends of white/red/brown quinoa are great to add a pop of color to your plate.

Yep, that’s it! You can add salt to the quinoa if you want, but I find that its perfect on its own.

When I lived in California I ate quinoa ALL the time! I’d make a big batch of Rainbow Quinoa Salad and bring it to my friend’s houses for a potluck or BBQ side dish. I remember quinoa being was inexpensive at my local grocery store Sprouts, so I’d stock up in the bulk section weekly! On my poor grad student budget, at least I was eating somewhat healthy.

We always keep lots of quinoa on hand in the pantry too – its a great pantry staple protein, which is awesome for a big summer salad, or a simmering fall stew.

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How Do I Make This Instant Pot Quinoa?

Place the quinoa in a fine mesh colander and rinse until cool running water.
Add the quinoa to the Instant Pot along with the water. Seal cover.
Set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook mode for 1 minute.
After the 1 minute of cooking, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release for 15 minutes. Then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
Fluff with a fork and serve!

More Recipes with Cooked Quinoa You’ll Love!

Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe (Vegan Potluck)

Rainbow Quinoa Salad (Vegan, Gluten Free)

Red Quinoa & Vegetable Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette (Vegan, Gluten Free)

Tuscan Bean & Barley Salad (Vegan, GF, Costco Copycat Recipe)

Quinoa Tabbouleh Tabbouli Tabouli, Oh My! Salad

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If you made this recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

Quinoa in the Pressure Cooker

By Kelly Jensen

An easy fool-proof method for fluffy perfect quinoa in the Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot! Quick cook, no mess, and perfect texture every time. This is my absolute favorite way to cook quinoa, as it takes the shortest amount of time, is super easy to clean up, and the quinoa is tender and fluffy.

5 from 4 votes

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Cook Time 1

Release Time 16

Total Time 17

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Servings

Calories 156 kcal

Equipment

▢
Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

▢ 2 cups quinoa
▢ 3 cups water
▢ 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt optional

Instructions

Place the quinoa in a fine mesh colander and rinse until cool running water.
Place the quinoa in the Instant Pot along with the water. Seal cover.
Set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook mode for 1 minute.
After the 1 minute of cooking, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release for 15 minutes. Then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
Fluff with a fork and serve!

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 6gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 7mgPotassium: 239mgFiber: 3gVitamin A: 6IUCalcium: 23mgIron: 2mg

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One Comment

Susan says:

June 30, 2020 at 11:25 am

I have never eaten quinoa but because of your recipe I will definitely expand my gastro delights

5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)